Xai-Xai IDP – PHYSICAL PLAN

1000m2. Cluster development of a maximum of 20 units per hectare will be allowed in the medium density areas. The quality of development will be more strictly controlled in the area of low density.

Camping or Bungalows: These are areas where low impact camping or bungalows will be allowed. In these areas the natural landscape must be protected. Density in these areas is lower than 20 units per hectare, but the specific density must be determined by an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).

The above figures relate to the net development area, i.e., when applied to the relevant cell, they will be from 25 to 50% lower.

The principles guiding the design and development of these areas are as follows:

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Efficiency of resource use;

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Creation of a sense of place which enhances the uniqueness of this area;

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Choice between different types of accommodation but also between different types of areas: high intensity, active and busy public areas and quiet natural areas;

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Easy access between different areas and also from the various development cells to the beach and open space. Development should be spaced according to the needs of pedestrians in order to reduce the need to use motor cars. This means that facilities should be grouped together at accessible points and that densities should be increased at certain points where many facilities exist;

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Integration between the different areas via road connections and pedestrian walkways;

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Protection of beachfront from excessive motorised traffic and creation of free access to the beach. This means that pedestrian areas and public space is created around the beachfront areas and that pedestrian access routes are developed from all areas to the beach;

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Protection of sea views. This means that no high buildings will be allowed next to the beach but that these have to be set back at the slopes of the dunes;

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The creation of a vibrant promenade which forms the focus of tourist activities. Development along the promenade should open up on the promenade with commercial and entertainment facilities on ground level;

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The separation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This means that all areas must have access routes from the backset road and that access to service areas will not be allowed from the beachfront;

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The activities on the beachfront are separated in order to prevent conflict between the different users e.g. fishing boats and swimming facilities;

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Protection and sustainable use of green areas; and

Development should respect the general sensitivity of the coastal dunes area and the importance of preserving the vegetation cover.

The existing situation and the planning and implementation framework for these areas, as well as for the local villages and green open space, will be discussed in the chapters that follow. Cells T1 and T4 are worked out in more detail because of the ongoing development in these areas.